Antonio, a wealthy merchant, meets up with his good friend Bassanio, who tells Antonio of his depleted financial state. He cheers at the thought of marrying Portia, a rich heiress from Belmont, whom he loves. Bassanio then asks Antonio to lend him some money so that he could go to Belmont for pursuing Portia to marry him. Antonio says that he does not have any money in hand, as all his ships were out at sea.
Slayt: 2
BOND BETWEEN ANTONIO AND SHYLOCK
They then go to Shylock's shop, a Jewish money lender, who has a personal grudge with Antonio. Antonio asks Shylock to lend 3000 ducats to Bassanio, saying that he would repay the amount after his trade ships returned from sea, In case he could not repay Shylock within three months, Shylock would have the right to cut off a pound of Antonio's flesh.
Slayt: 3
THE CASKET STORY
Bassanio and his friend Gratiano travel to Portia's house so that Bassanio can marry her. But he has to choose between 3 boxes, and the person who chooses the box which has Portia's photo in it, wins her. Bassanio chooses the correct casket and wins the right to marry Portia. Meanwhile, Gratiano and Nerissa (Portia's lady-in-waiting), also decide to marry each other.
Slayt: 4
THE SAD NEWS
But the festivities are cut short as Bassanio receives a letter from Antonio saying that none of his ships have returned to port. Now, as Antonio does not have any money, he cannot repay Shylock. So, he readily agrees to have a pound of his flesh cut off by Shylock as per the bond.
Slayt: 5
THE COURT SCENE
The trial starts and Bassanio and Gratiano try to bribe Shylock with thrice the amount to be paid, but he disagrees. Portia and Nerissa disguise themselves as lawyers and come to the trial to save Antonio. She starts by trying to convince Shylock to spare Antonio, but he disagrees. But Portia finds a loophole in the bond - Shylock can only remove a pound of Antonio's flesh without taking blood.
Slayt: 6
THE END
Since Shylock cannot find a way to deliver the punishment, he loses the bond, and as he is a foreigner and attempted to harm the life of a Venetian, he himself is punished. Antonio later finds out that all of his ships reach the port safely, and everybody rejoices. Portia also reveals her identity. In the end, everyone lives a happy life.